Technology at My School

I have spent much time this week considering the technology at my site, Sequoyah Middle School located in Edmond, OK. There is a plethora of technology in use at all levels, from students to staff to administration. I have been teaching science at Sequoyah since 2006, and have seen the technology change steadily.

In my first classroom, I had access to a computer, monitor, phone, an overhead projector for transparencies, pull down screen attached to the wall, intercom speaker for office/classroom communication, four chalkboards on two walls and several boxes of chalk, and a large VCR for showing educational videos.  

By 2010, big changes were implemented in EPS, as SMART Boards, updated computers and ceiling projectors were installed in all classrooms. In 2010 a new wing was built onto our building which houses 2 science labs, 2 computer labs for Technology Literacy classes with printers, a FACS room and two other classrooms. They are equipped with all of the above mentioned technology, as well as individual digital thermostats.

Accessible technology for teacher check-out/student use includes an IPad cart and a cart of laptops (classroom sets of each). Sequoyah also has a computer lab in the 8^th grade wing and over 30 laptops in the media center for student use, and printers in each location.  Many teachers also encourage students to bring their own devices to class, as an educational resource. Cameras/video equipment are able to be checked out from media center by Sequoyah students/employees. In 2013, Wi-Fi was installed at Sequoyah, allowing students filtered internet access. Many teacher and student textbooks have online resources, which students and teachers are encouraged to use, as several subjects only have class sets of textbooks (which remain in the classroom).

Other technology at Sequoyah are defibrillator in the main office, a screening device in front office, into which visitors must swipe their driver’s license (provides name tag for visitors who pose no harm), Apple TV, 3D Printers, RedCat for teachers, walkie talkies for communication between office and others in building, copy room with 4 copiers and 2 risographs, document scanner, 2 Edusoft system scanners/graders. All teachers access the following online daily: gradebook/attendance, email. Many other resources are available online for teacher/student use. Apps such as Edmodo and Remind are commonly used by teachers to communicate with students/parents. Teachers are also strongly encouraged to have their own page on school website, with information about themselves.

My Head Principal, Jason Galloway, is exemplary at bringing us all into the digital age, by encouraging his teachers to become more technological savvy. He often shares his knowledge of technology and asks teachers who have other technology experience to do the same with the staff.  This was clearly demonstrated during our Professional Development in August 2015, where Mr. Galloway moderated an educational Twitter chat for EPS middle school teachers/administration. I believe that Sequoyah Middle School has a strong emphasis which exemplifies Edmond Public Schools Mission Statement, “Empowering all students to succeed in as changing society.  Believe…Achieve…Succeed”.